How long after starting the car can the heater be turned on?
2 Answers
Generally, you can turn on the heater 2 to 3 minutes after starting the car. First, start the engine to warm it up. When the engine temperature gauge reaches the middle position, turn on the heater and set the air circulation to external circulation to expel the cold air from the car. After waiting for 2 to 3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation. The method for turning on the car heater in winter is: 1. After starting the car, wait about 8 to 15 minutes for the water temperature to reach the normal level before turning on the heater. 2. Adjust the air conditioning circulation mode to internal circulation. 3. Switch to the heating mode. 4. Do not turn on the air conditioning. 5. Adjust the air conditioning to a suitable setting and direct the airflow as needed.
My experience with daily commuting by car is that it's reasonable to wait two or three minutes after starting the engine before turning on the heater. When the car first starts, the engine is still cold, and the heating system relies on it to warm the air. If the coolant temperature is too low, the air blown out will be cold and won't provide any warmth. This is especially true in winter when the car is parked outside. After starting, idling for a minute or two allows the engine to warm up slightly, and the temperature gauge begins to rise. At this point, turning on the heater will be comfortable. The heater doesn't consume extra fuel because it uses waste heat from the engine, unlike the air conditioning which engages the compressor. Turning it on early can also help defog the windshield, improving safety. Over time, drivers learn these details—just be patient and wait a bit. Waiting longer, say four or five minutes, ensures more stable temperatures, quicker cabin warming, and less hassle. In general, once the dashboard coolant temperature gauge shows normal levels, it's simple and effective to turn on the heater.